Name Claxton Welch | College: Oregon Positions Running back Games: 31 | |
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Date of birth: (1947-07-03) July 3, 1947 (age 68) NFL draft: 1969 / Round: 9 / Pick: 230 | ||
Claxton Welch (born July 3, 1947 in Portland, Oregon) is a former NFL running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and New England Patriots. He played college football at the University of Oregon.
Contents
- Early years
- Dallas Cowboys first stint
- New Orleans Saints
- Dallas Cowboys second stint
- Kansas City Chiefs
- New England Patriots
- References
Early years
Welch attended David Douglas High School where he was All-State in basketball and football. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Oregon.
As a junior he rushed for 474 yards and caught 7 passes for 109 yards. In his last year he gained 525 rushing yards, despite missing three of the last four games.
Dallas Cowboys (first stint)
Welch was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the ninth round (230th overall) of the 1969 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he was the fastest running back in training camp, but was waived and signed to the Cowboys taxi squad, before being promoted to the roster on November 13.
New Orleans Saints
After his first season, he was sent to the New Orleans Saints in 1970, before being waived after one game on September 22, to make room for rookie running back Vic Nyvall.
Dallas Cowboys (second stint)
On October 14, 1970, he was signed to the Dallas Cowboys' taxi squad. He is best remembered for his play against the San Francisco 49ers in the 1970 NFC Championship game. In 1971, he earned a ring as a member of the Super Bowl VI-winning Dallas Cowboys, under coach Tom Landry. He was released on September 6, 1972.
Kansas City Chiefs
On November 22, 1972, he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was cut on August 7, 1973, and signed to the taxi squad.
New England Patriots
On October 24, 1973, Welch was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots. He was placed on the injured reserve list on December 5. He was released on August 16, 1974, after failing his physical examination. He finished his NFL career with 83 rushing yards and 7 receiving yards.